NEW REPORT: Islington – a local needs analysis

We have today released ‘Islington A local needs analysis’ authored by Matt Ford. The report and accompanying poster provides a helicopter view of the kinds of problems facing people in the London borough of Islington.

The report reveals high levels of deprivation and need and will help to inform community conversations about what local people want to see at the former Holloway prison site.

It has been released on the day a new survey is launched, inviting the people of Islington to put forward their views about the future of Holloway.

Notable findings include:

It is the 24th most deprived of England’s 326 local authorities

38% of children are in poverty, the fourth highest rate in the UK

20,733 households are on the waiting list for social housing

881 households were in temporary accommodation on 30th September 2016, including 1,124 children

442 households were owed a homelessness duty by the council last year

29,900 adults are estimated to have depression, anxiety or both

31,000 people identify as having an impairment or disability

The report’s author, Matt Ford, said;

‘’Despite its reputation as a wealthy borough, Islington has shocking levels of poverty and deprivation. Out of 326 local authorities in England, it is the 24th most deprived and has the 4th highest rate of child poverty in the UK.

‘’Given what this report reveals about the problems facing people in Islington, it is clear that the redevelopment of the Holloway site could offer a fantastic opportunity to meet needs and benefit the local community.